Hi everyone,
I’m a new CNC router operator, working with three routers (an old AXYZ, an old MultiCam, and a new MultiCam) and using VCarve Pro, EnRoute, Illustrator, and Flexi. While I’m comfortable with the machines and software, I’m still learning how everything comes together in sign making specifically.
Unfortunately, instead of mentoring me and gaining an ally to share the workload, the experienced operator who’s supposed to guide me has chosen to keep their knowledge to themselves. That’s left me to figure things out on my own, but I’m determined to succeed and learn everything I can.
We have a full downstream of skilled fabricators who assemble the signs after I’ve done my part. I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to support them and set them up for success.
I’ve put together a list of sign types that I am aware of and want to understand better. I do have some general thoughts and ideas and a bit that I’ve picked up through observation, but I’ve left the details intentionally blank. I haven’t had much opportunity to put what I do know into practice, and I don’t want to rely on guesswork—I’d rather hear from people with real experience.
Here’s the list so far:
I deeply respect the experience and wisdom here, and I’m incredibly grateful for any advice you’re willing to share. Your guidance will help me with this difficult situation, build my skills, and support my team in creating great signs.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge—it truly means the world to me.
P.S. If there are threads here already talking about this topic (I'm sure there are) please point me in their direction. I've been reading a lot of threads but haven't found anything directly focused on this yet.
Some threads that I have found useful so far:
www.signs101.com
I’m a new CNC router operator, working with three routers (an old AXYZ, an old MultiCam, and a new MultiCam) and using VCarve Pro, EnRoute, Illustrator, and Flexi. While I’m comfortable with the machines and software, I’m still learning how everything comes together in sign making specifically.
Unfortunately, instead of mentoring me and gaining an ally to share the workload, the experienced operator who’s supposed to guide me has chosen to keep their knowledge to themselves. That’s left me to figure things out on my own, but I’m determined to succeed and learn everything I can.
We have a full downstream of skilled fabricators who assemble the signs after I’ve done my part. I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to support them and set them up for success.
I’ve put together a list of sign types that I am aware of and want to understand better. I do have some general thoughts and ideas and a bit that I’ve picked up through observation, but I’ve left the details intentionally blank. I haven’t had much opportunity to put what I do know into practice, and I don’t want to rely on guesswork—I’d rather hear from people with real experience.
Here’s the list so far:
- Channel Letters
- Pylon Signs
- Blade Signs
- Monument Signs
- Directional Signs
- Neon Signs
- Cabinet Signs
- Post Signs
- Reverse-lit Channel Letters
- Temporary Signs
- Reverse Pan Signs
- What are the important design considerations?
- What steps are involved, on the router side, in making them?
- What are the common mistakes or tricky parts to watch out for?
- What can I do so that the fabricators have everything they need to assemble the signs easily and successfully?
I deeply respect the experience and wisdom here, and I’m incredibly grateful for any advice you’re willing to share. Your guidance will help me with this difficult situation, build my skills, and support my team in creating great signs.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge—it truly means the world to me.
P.S. If there are threads here already talking about this topic (I'm sure there are) please point me in their direction. I've been reading a lot of threads but haven't found anything directly focused on this yet.
Some threads that I have found useful so far:
the truth about CNC machining...
here's my question? I think the CNC machine is one of THE coolest additions to any sign shop. But how much extra work goes into finishing? For example when you cut say 1/2" acrylic. i know when you cut fast your going to get tool mark. but is there any feed rate/tool speed that would allow...
www.signs101.com
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